The 2017 advance payments have commenced under the Organic Farming Scheme, the Minister of State with responsibility for organics Andrew Doyle has announced.

Minister Doyle said: “I am delighted to announce that advance payments under this scheme are starting to flow for organic farmers.

“I am very pleased that we have met our commitment to commence these payments in December as promised.

“The scheme is one of our key drivers in increasing Irish organic output which will help us exploit the vast market opportunities internationally for this product.”

Some 1,600 farmers receive a payment under this scheme to support their organic enterprise and these advance payments consist of 85% of the full payment due for the year.

The balancing payments for the remaining 15% will be paid in 2018 as per EU rules. Annual payments under the Organic Farming Scheme come to over €10m.

The first advance payments have issued to some participant’s bank accounts this week, with more scheduled to issue during the last week in December.

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